Trying to find the perfect venue is one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of organising your big day. It is also undoubtedly one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your wedding, which is why it
must be right. Follow my five tips to help make your decision easier.
1) When choosing a venue, take into consideration your style, passion and likes. Your venue should be a reflection of your personality and must feel right for you.
2) Is the venue within your budget? It can be easy to get carried away, but one of the biggest costs you will incur will be the venue, followed by the food and drink. Can you really afford it? Shop around before you make your decision and make sure you visit the sites in person to get a real feel for the place.
3) If you’re having your ceremony off-site, consider the length of time it takes by car to get to the reception. Your guests may have already travelled a fair distance and may not be familiar with the area. Keep the journey time to a minimal – no more than 20 minutes is advisable. It may be worth arranging transport for your guests from the ceremony to the reception – an old London Routemaster bus is a quirky, but practical alternative.
4) No dancing allowed. You’ll be surprised how many venues prohibit dancing; especially country properties and those within National Trust or belonging to English Heritage. If this is the case, you’ll be required to hire a marquee for the evening reception, which costs yet more money. Also check bar restrictions while you’re at it.
5) Finish times. Many venues have to close at midnight due to licensing laws. However, if you want the party to go on longer, check if the venue is able to apply for a late license and what the restrictions are on continuing to serve beverages. No-one likes to leave a wedding party early!
